Hall of fame figure skater Eldredge comes to town

By Joe Kavanaugh, Journal correspondent | Saturday, December 06, 2008

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RAPID CITY — Six time National Figure Skating champion and former Olympian Todd Eldredge was in Rapid City on Friday as part of a promotional tour spotlighting the unique Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular to appear at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on  Dec. 23. Eldredge’s scheduled appearance was a skating exhibition he performed during the first intermission of the Friday night Rapid City Rush hockey game, at which he would have the opportunity to exhibit the unique artistic and skating talents that have made him a featured performer with the popular “Stars on Ice” Tour.

Another appearance — a rather informal one at that — included a 5 p.m. visit to the Roosevelt Ice Arena and a skating session with members of both the Black Hills Figure Skating Club and the Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department’s Learn to Skate program. 

“I didn’t actually find out about it until today,” said Eldredge as he laughed a few minutes before his trip to the ice arena appearing all the while absolutely  nonplussed by the last minute addition to his schedule. “Basically, I get to meet the kids and hopefully get them excited about skating and the upcoming ice show. I’m just going to go skate with some kids and have some fun really, just have a good time.”

A few minutes later, his arrival at the Roosevelt Ice Arena provided quick evidence that his pleasure would not be the only felt on this Friday afternoon. A wide-eyed crowd of approximately 30 skaters — tot to teen — in addition to many proud parents greeted Eldredge with blushes and giggles and warm appreciative smiles.

Lisa Hakimi, the skating director of Roosevelt Ice Arena, could not have been happier with Eldredge’s appearance.

“This is really important, not only for me as a program director, but for our skaters, as well, and I think that is particularly true for our male skaters,” Hakimi said. “Rapid City is a hockey town and for them to have the chance to see and work with a three-time Olympian champion is huge.”

Following a group picture taken with Eldredge on the ice,  the skaters alternated between spinning about the ice and displaying their skills in the hope of being seen and standing as near Eldredge as possible so as to assure that objective.

Eldredge, smiling throughout, bantered with the kids while allowing each an opportunity to shine for the master. His interest was further highlighted by the necessarily brief lesson he gave to many.

Cecelia Lang, one of five brothers and sisters who have skated at Roosevelt since shortly after the facility opened seven years ago, could hardly contain her excitement.

“It’s crazy, just crazy. We’ve only been open for a few years and already we’re having people from the Olympics here, and that’s really cool,” Lang said.

Eight-grader Taylor Clemmons, a young skater who has competed regionally and hopes to do better, recounted with great pride a lesson that Eldredge had imparted to her. And 14-year-old, Daniel Lang, who wore a skating jacket similar to one worn by Eldredge in Olympic competition, expressed similar sentiment.

“It’s neat since we’ve never had anyone like him here before.” Daniel, too, was quick to point out a skating tip given him, and to rush back on the ice to put it to use.  

Later, after meeting Edlredge and having the chance to see him interact with her young skaters, skating director Hakimi was even more impressed with Eldredge and the warmth shown by him for her kids.

“It’s more than I expected,” she said as Eldredge signed autographs for the kids. “It’s more because he actually personally and individually worked with all of the kids. I couldn’t be happier.”

For Eldredge who began skating at age 5 and left home at 10 to work with a personal trainer, relating to kids who love to skate isn’t difficult.

“I enjoyed skating immensely, the joy you get from tying to learn something and then achieving it and moving on,” he said.

He sees that in other figure skaters, too, the desire to express themselves artistically and athletically in the unique expressions of the sport of figure skating. “I think that is one of the things that explains the appeal of figure skating to such a broad audience. Other sports don’t express the artistic element in such a defined manner, and certainly don’t put it too music.”

Eldredge is looking forward to his return later, emphasizing that the Progressive Skating and Gymnastics Spectacular will bring a rich blend of Olympic talent from both sports. Olympic gymnastic gold medalists Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson are among the gymnasts who will perform. Eldredge will be joined on ice by a field of champions including reigning American champion Mirai Nagasu and two-time men’s champion Evan Lysacek and others. Musical accompaniment will be provided by actress and singer/songwriter Raven Symone.

The show, which will be broadcast nationally by NBC on Jan. 18, will be hosted by former Olympic gold Medalists Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci and Peggy Fleming.